Political Quotes

“I want to thank Mr. Castro for his leadership on this important issue. Before I came to Congress, I cofounded a charter school in Denver called the Academy of Urban Learning. The focus of this charter school, which serves just over 100 students in Denver to this day, about 12 years after it was founded, it serves homeless youth and youth in transitional housing. One of the keys to the success of this school is the counseling and wraparound services that the students receive. In fact, one of the graduation requirements is that students must apply to two institutions of higher education. Now, in a void, that they need more than just that requirement, they need the hands-on help from the counselors that will help them achieve that, so there has been a remarkable record of students not only applying but attending community colleges and even 4-year universities. Part of the secret sauce that makes that school work--and I am very confident would help make other schools work that serve homeless youth across the country--is the college and career-readiness counseling to advise and prepare students for the next phase of their lives. This amendment is extremely important in making a difference for the lives of homeless youth, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to adopt it.”